Winnipeg Jets Opening Night Roster Decision Day
Although the 2022-2023 NHL season started this past weekend with the NHL Global Series in Prague, Czechia, today is an important day for NHL franchises.
At 4:00 p.m. central time today, all franchises must submit their salary cap-compliant rosters for opening night to the NHL.
Yesterday the Winnipeg Jets trimmed their roster down to 24 players, as they sent Jansen Harkins to waivers. If Harkins clears waivers, he will join the Manitoba Moose.
TRANSACTION: The #NHLJets have placed F - Jansen Harkins on waivers for the purpose of being assigned to the Manitoba Moose (AHL).
— Winnipeg Jets PR (@WpgJetsPR) October 9, 2022
Therefore, the Jets need to cut one more player before today’s deadline to be compliant with the NHL’s roster maximum of 23 players.
All attention turns to the Winnipeg Jets’ defense
With the news about Harkins, the 24 players the Jets still have in their camp includes 13 forwards, 9 defensemen, and 2 goaltenders. Therefore with only one extra forward and an influx of defensemen still left on the roster, the Jets are expected to send a defenseman down today.
The group of defensemen left on the Jets’ current roster includes Josh Morrissey, Neal Pionk, Nate Schmidt, Brenden Dillion, Dylan DeMelo, Ville Heinola, Dylan Samberg, Logan Stanley, and Kyle Capobianco.
The interesting thing to note is that yesterday was the last chance for teams to have players clear waivers before today’s deadline. Of the players listed above, only two of the Jets’ defensemen are waivers exempt. Those two players are Ville Heinola and Dylan Samberg.
Therefore many believe that the Jets will be sending either Heinola or Samberg down to the Moose afternoon.
It will be extremely interesting to see what kind of move(s) Kevin Cheveldayoff makes today as the Jets submit their roster for the upcoming season.
Want your voice heard? Join the Jets White Out team!
The Jets are expected to reveal their 2022-2023 opening night roster at some point after the 4:00 p.m. deadline.
Stay tuned to our site throughout today as we will have articles regarding the Jets’ season opening rosters and if Harkins clears waivers.
